Chicken salad is a quintessential picnic and potluck staple across America. Its flavorful mixture of tender chicken, crunchy veggies, and creamy dressing makes it a crowdpleaser for all ages. But when asked to describe this classic salad, how would you sum up its key qualities and ingredients?
This article will look at the different words and phrases that are used to describe chicken salad, from its texture and taste to how it’s made in different parts of the country. You can read on to learn more about how to describe chicken salad, whether you want to better understand it or get ideas for making your own.
A Creamy, Chunky Texture
The texture of chicken salad is likely to be one of the first things you’ll notice. A rich base is made of smooth, creamy mayonnaise or salad dressing. Chunks of chicken and crunchy vegetables like celery and carrot add a great crunch. Common descriptive words for the texture of chicken salad include:
- Creamy – From the mayonnaise or yogurt-based dressing
- Chunky – From bites of chicken, vegetables, or fruit
- Crunchy – From the celery, nuts, or other additions
- Thick – From the mayo and chicken binding together
- Chilled – It’s typically served cold
The chunks in chicken salad can vary in size – some preferring larger bites of chicken and veggies, while others like a more fine, shred-like texture. Whichever you prefer, the interplay of smooth, creamy dressing and firm, juicy bites gives chicken salad its signature mouthfeel.
A Tangy, Savory Flavor Profile
Along with its texture, chicken salad has a unique taste that most people would describe as
- Savory – From the chicken, eggs, cheese, or other umami ingredients
- Zesty – Many recipes include zesty mustard or pickle relish
- Tangy – Vinegar, lemon juice, or other acids create tang
- Cool – Typically served chilled, not hot or warm
- Sweet – Fruits like grapes or apples contribute sweetness
- Rich – From the oil-based dressing like mayo or avocado
- Herbaceous – Green onions, parsley, dill, and other herbs are common
The mayonnaise or dressing provides a rich, cooling backdrop that allows the other ingredients – acidic elements like mustard or relish, sweet fruits, fresh herbs, savory chicken – to meld into a bright, tangy flavor profile. Spices like black pepper, paprika, or curry powder can also add warmth.
Regional Styles Showcase Ingredient Variety
Chicken salad takes on different regional forms across the U. S. based on locally-available ingredients. Here are some words that are used to describe important regional types of chicken salad:
- Southern – Grapes, pecans, tarragon (sweet, nutty, aromatic)
- Midwestern – Celery, cranberries, apples (crunchy, tart, sweet)
- West Coast – Avocado, citrus, pepitas (creamy, zesty, nutty)
- Southwestern – Corn, black beans, chipotle (smoky, spicy, hearty)
This salad is also open to cultural influences. For example, curries and chutneys can bring South Asian flair, while salsa and lime add Mexican-inspired zest. So don’t be afraid to get creative and use ingredients native to your region or ethnicity to put your own spin on this classic.
Preparation Methods Add Layers of Flavor
How the chicken itself is prepared also impacts the flavors of the salad. Some common preparation methods include:
- Roasted – Rich, caramelized flavors
- Poached – Extremely tender, delicate flavor
- Grilled – Smoky, charred notes
- Fried – Crispy texture and savoriness
- Rotisserie – Juicy, seasoned meat
Feel free to mix up roasted and fried chicken, use chicken prepared different ways, or stick to one style depending on your preferences. Just like choosing ingredients, varying the chicken preparation expands the descriptive words you can use for your salad.
Appealing Add-Ins for Texture and Flavor
While chicken and mayonnaise form the base, you can add many other ingredients to customize your chicken salad. Some popular add-ins include:
Crunchy Vegetables: Celery, carrot, cucumber, radish, jicama, bell pepper
Juicy Fruits: Grapes, apple, dried cranberries, mango, pineapple, citrus
Savory Cheese: Cheddar, blue cheese, feta, Monterey jack, Parmesan
Hearty Beans: Chickpeas, black beans, kidney beans, edamame
Crunchy Nuts: Pecans, walnuts, almonds, peanuts, cashews, pepitas
Fresh Herbs: Parsley, basil, dill, cilantro, tarragon, chives
Spicy Kick: Jalapeño, crushed red pepper, sriracha, chili powder
Again, use descriptive words to choose additions that provide your preferred flavors (sweet, spicy, herby), textures (crisp, juicy, crunchy), and overall vibe.
Putting It All Together
As you can see, chicken salad brings together a variety of ingredients and preparation methods that make it highly customizeable. When describing your perfect chicken salad, think about:
- The base – Mayonnaise, yogurt, or something else?
- Chicken – Roasted, fried, grilled? Chopped, shredded, or chunks?
- Fruits and veggies – What provides crunch, juice, tang?
- Seasonings – Spicy, herby, savory, zesty?
- Add-ins – Nuts, beans, cheese, herbs?
- Texture – Creamy, chunky, shredded?
With so many options, you’re bound to find a chicken salad descriptor for every preference. Whether you crave a curried mango pecan salad or lemony avocado with crispy fried chicken, describing your ideal ingredients and textures helps create a personalized chicken salad masterpiece.
So next time you’re asked to bring this classic dish to a party, don’t settle for boring old chicken salad – get creative with preparation methods, fresh produce, and flavorful seasonings. With the descriptive words above to guide you, you can whip up a chicken salad that’s uniquely your own and delicious any way you describe it.
The Chicken Salad That Will Change Your Life
The Best Chicken Salad is finely minced flavorful chicken breast, celery, and onion mixed with classic mayo, and a hint of cayenne with simple salt and pepper. Eat this heavenly, spreadable chicken salad on a cracker with some pickled peppers or on a buttery croissant.
I follow a few reality TV stars on social media and this past week one of them has been hyper focused on chicken salad. One of her followers sent her some chicken salad from a famous family owned grocery store in Baton Rouge, LA called Calvin’s Bocage Market.
The chicken salad looked divine and the creator who shared it loved it.
I did some online sleuthing and found out the basic ingredients of this famous salad so I decided to give it a whirl. Having never been to Baton Rouge, I can’t say if this recipe is better than what Calvin’s serves there.
What I do know is that this chicken salad will change your life!
Need Help Finding and Saving The Recipe?
There is a full, printable recipe card at the end of this post for the Chicken Salad. You can also press the “print” button to see the recipe on one page. From that page, you can take a picture of it to save it to your phone.
I also have added a Pinterest button that you can use to save this recipe to your Pinterest page. If you would like to follow me on Pinterest, you can find me there as The Tipsy Housewife.
First things first, let’s talk mayo. Mayo is personal and regional so let’s not get into a dispute.
I love using Hellmann’s mayo because I love the flavor.
Some of the articles I read about the Calvin’s chicken salad said that they also use Hellmann’s. I do not know if this is true.
If you prefer another mayo, you can go ahead and swap the mayo for the one that you like the most. This recipe will still be delicious.
I include measurements for the mayo on the recipe card. This does not mean you have to stick to the measurements I used.
I suggest you add the mayo a little at a time until you get the texture you prefer. The measurement I included creates a texture for the chicken salad that makes it spreadable and flavorful, but not too wet.
I love this chicken bouillon. I use it in lots of recipes including my World’s Best Stuffing.
Bouillon is used in this recipe twice. First it’s added to the chicken while it poaches and then added to the chicken salad itself.
I think it creates a great depth of flavor and a subtle saltiness.
The measurements for the bouillon are also a suggestion. You can add more or less to your liking.
I buy a big container of this at Aldi. I also use this in my Spanish Rice Recipe.
Mincing is the key to the texture of this chicken salad. I make sure to get the vegetables minced very small.
You can also do this in your food processor.
I like to season the veggies before adding them to the chicken. I believe this helps the celery and onion stay juicy and brings out the great flavors of the vegetables in the salad.
I made use my food processor to get the correct texture for the chicken salad. If you do not have one, you can really just work at mincing everything, including the chicken, really fine.
I have also seen people use a hand mixer to shred the chicken. Remember that you want the chicken to have an almost paste-like texture.
Whether you mix this chicken salad with greens or make a delicious croissant sandwich like the one pictured above, I know you’re gonna love it.
The Perfect Chicken Salad Recipe with Ina Garten | Barefoot Contessa | Food Network
FAQ
What is chicken salad?
Chicken salad is any salad with chicken as a main ingredient. Mayonnaise, hard-boiled eggs, celery, onion, pepper, pickles (or pickle relish), and different kinds of mustard are also common ingredients.
Where did chicken salad come from?
In 1863, Town Meats in Wakefield, Rhode Island, served one of the first American versions of chicken salad. The original owner, Liam Gray, mixed his leftover chicken with mayonnaise, tarragon, and grapes. This became such a popular item that the meat market was converted to a delicatessen.
What is chicken salad in Canada?
What is “chicken salad” in the US and Canada? It can be any salad with chicken or a specific mixed salad made mostly of chopped chicken meat and a binder like mayonnaise, salad dressing, or cream cheese. Like tuna salad and egg salad, it may be served on top of lettuce, tomato, avocado, or some combination of these.
What is a 19th century chicken salad?
An early 19th century English recipe for chicken salad can be found in the Mrs Beeton book of household management. This is a dish of cold roast chicken placed on lettuce and drizzled with a salad dressing made from mixed mustard, sugar, salad oil, milk, vinegar, cayenne and salt.
What is a good base for chicken salad?
Chicken tenders are the main protein and base for this dish. They are ideal for chicken salad because they cook quickly, are lean, and shred easily. Fresh dill – gives the chicken salad its namesake flavor. Dill is a classic herb for chicken salads because it is slightly citrusy and helps balance out the mayo’s richness.
Can I make chicken salad a day ahead?
Taste and season with kosher salt and black pepper as needed. Make ahead: The chicken salad can be made up to 2 days ahead and refrigerated in an airtight container.
How do you describe chicken salad?
Chicken salad is any salad with chicken as a main ingredient. Other common ingredients include mayonnaise, hard-boiled egg, celery, onion, pepper, pickles (or pickle relish) and a variety of mustards.
What is the best description of a salad?
A salad is typically defined as a dish consisting of a mixture of various ingredients, often including vegetables, fruits, grains, nuts, seeds, and proteins, which are usually served cold or at room temperature. Salads can also include dressings or sauces that enhance flavor.
What is the saying about chicken salad?
Remember, you can’t make a silk purse out of a sow’s ear, and you can’t make chicken salad out of chicken shit.Apr 7, 2008
How would you describe a good chicken?
Fresh chicken should have a pinkish color. Avoid cosmetic damages, such as bruising or tears in the skin, which can affect the chicken’s quality and freshness.